Jefferson City Less Worried About Missouri River Flooding
JEFFERSON CITY - Jefferson City is spending less time worrying about rising floodwaters on the Missouri River. The river is expected to crest sometime this weekend at 27.8 feet.
Officials said Thursday most of the buildings near the Missouri are industrial, and the waters are more threatening to residential neighborhoods near creeks.
Even though the waters are above flood stage and expected to crest soon, Jefferson City Director of streets and Parking, Britt Smith, said they will only take extra precautions if the water would eclipse the levee at 31 feet.
"When we get that 30 to 31 that's where we start effecting a lot of streets, our airport is effected," said Smith.
Some Jefferson City residents think the city is making too big of deal out of the possible flooding. Jack Phillips said he thinks the waters will stay down.
"I don't think it's going to flood," said Phillips. "Number one the rivers running too fast."
Officials said the high waters will cause some problems for its July 4th celebration, but they said most of the changes will be to parking and not the actual celebration.
The city has also set up a flood website. On the site, residents can click on their individual property and see how high the water is in their area. The map is also animated.